England trio cleared

22 July 2004 21:46pm

England scrum-half Martyn Wood, assistant coach Steve Diamond and kit technician John Pennycuick were all cleared of bringing the game into disrepute by a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing on Thursday.

The trio were hauled before the three-man panel at Twickenham following an incident during the Churchill Cup final against the New Zealand Maori on June 19.

With the scores ties 19-19, England fly-half Dave Walder was handed a crucial penalty kick in the 72nd minute which he felt had hit the target.

But one of the touch judges declared otherwise, incensing many of the England contingent on the sidelines as Jim Mallinder's side went on to endure a 26-19 extra-time defeat.

Wood, Diamond and Pennycuick were all subsequently charged with leaving the technical area but have been cleared.

Bath scrum-half Wood was also found not guilty of verbally abusing a touch judge, but Pennycuick was judged guilty of abusing the fifth official and was reprimanded by the hearing.

RFU disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett said: "The evidence showed that this was a very tense match with emotions running high, particularly towards the end of the game and going into extra-time.

"All of the England bench were clearly agitated and vociferous and the failing was with the team management for not controlling the bench and in John Pennycuick in allowing himself to get angry.

"We found that he did swear, although there was no malice, and he has been severely reprimanded and warned as to his future conduct.

"However, the matter was blown out of proportion and no complaint was lodged after the match by the officials."